Shares of Garmin, which makes bands for fitness tracking, are rising after two analysts defended the stock following the debut of Apple's smartwatch. Other analysts were split on watchmaker Fossil.

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Shares of Garmin (GRMN) , which makes bands for fitness tracking, are rising after two analysts issued upbeat notes on the stock today. The analysts were defending the shares after they fell yesterday following the launch of Apple's (AAPL) Apple Watch, which also has features geared to fitness enthusiasts. Meanwhile, two other analysts were split on the impact of the Apple Watch on watch maker Fossil (FOSL) .

GARMIN: Apple Watch is not "a category killer" in the running or fitness band markets, as the device has several disadvantages, Oppenheimer analyst Yair Reiner wrote in a note to investors today. Specifically, the Apple Watch must be paired with an iPhone and most joggers don't run with their phones, Reiner stated. Additionally, the device's built-in optical heart rate sensor is likely prone to malfunction when exposed to water and sweat, the analyst believes. Runners are likely to continue to favor strap-on chest sensors to measure their heart rates, according to Reiner, who indicated that such sensors are supported by Garmin's devices but do not appear to be compatible with the Apple Watch. Furthermore Apple Watch costs $350, versus $130 to $170 for Garmin's products, and the Apple Watch's battery life is much shorter, according to Reiner, who added that Garmin is "heaving a slight sigh of relief." Citigroup analyst Jeremy David, meanwhile, wrote that the Apple Watch does not compete with Garmin's trackers. Apple Watch must be paired with iPhones to accurately measure distance, while its price is high, David stated. Additionally, the device's battery life appears to be well below that offered by Garmin's devices, according to the analyst, who kept a $70 price target and Buy rating on Garmin.